Charlotte Gun Range insights on SHOT Show 2026, suppressor innovation, ammo technology, and the latest 2011 / double-stack 1911 trends CCW Training perspectives, Staccato discussion, and industry-wide product trends - no hype, just real talk from the floor. In this episode of The Reserve Podcast, Corey and Matt break down what they’re most excited to see at SHOT Show 2026 - the biggest week in the firearms industry. From suppressor advancements and additive manufacturing to 2011 pistols, ammunition technology, and emerging brands, we cover what matters and why it matters.

We also talk about accessibility in firearms design, budget-friendly brands closing the gap, and what trends may shape the consumer market over the next year—plus how Blackstone will be covering SHOT Show in real time.

0:00 SHOT Show = “Adult Disneyland”
0:22 Intro + what this episode covers
0:44 Suppressors and what’s trending
2:22 Additive manufacturing in suppressors
3:47 2011 / double-stack 1911 market
5:01 Staccato’s impact on duty-focused pistols
7:37 Competitors and alternative platforms
10:05 Modularity and serialized components
12:01 Ammunition technology and testing trends
14:54 New releases and brand speculation
16:33 Accessibility and budget-friendly firearms
18:51 Blackstone’s SHOT Show coverage plans
21:02 Outro + where to follow SHOT Show updates

What product category are you most excited to see at SHOT Show this year?
Do you think suppressor technology has plateaued or is it still evolving rapidly?
Which brands do you think are quietly winning right now?

Facebook: facebook.com/BlackstoneTraining
Instagram: instagram.com/blackstoneshooting
X: x.com/Blackstone_NC

DISCLAIMER: All firearms in this video were verified unloaded and filmed in a controlled environment for product discussion and entertainment purposes only. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, safety rules, and all applicable laws.

Charlotte Gun Range suppressor overview - The Reserve Podcast. CCW Training mindset: reducing concussion, gas, and shooter fatigue with suppressors

In this episode of The Reserve Podcast, Corey and Matt break down suppressors from a practical, real-world perspective: what they do, how they reduce sound and concussion, why “movie quiet” is a myth, and how modern materials and designs affect performance. This is a product discussion intended for education and entertainment only.

00:00 – Silencers: misunderstood in movies
00:24 – Intro: What is a suppressor?
00:46 – Simple explanation (car muffler analogy) + decibels/concussion
01:16 – “Assassin” misconception + why people actually use them
01:31 – Legality + tax stamp context
02:16 – What this episode will cover
02:24 – Matt’s use cases (9mm pistols, AR-15, .22 with kids)
02:57 – Two main categories: pistol vs rifle
03:33 – Why “one can for everything” isn’t ideal (modular / bore size)
04:19 – How suppressors work (gas cooling / slowing)
04:53 – Dedicated 5.56 vs 30 cal tradeoff
05:54 – .22 cans: “movie quiet” factor
06:19 – Pistol cans: CAT Street Crack vs Rugged Obsidian 9
06:40 – 3D printed cans: what it changes (baffles/geometry)
08:06 – Titanium pros/cons + heat limitations
09:08 – Rifle cans: pressure/temperature considerations
09:52 – Flow-through suppressors + back pressure explained
11:10 – Health/safety angle (gas, exposure, indoor range practices)
12:20 – Best 9mm suppressor picks + value options
14:20 – Materials (Inconel/718) + “hard use” use cases
15:02 – “Quietest for AR” discussion + 3D printing catching up
16:13 – Popular calibers + hunting use cases
17:06 – Subsonic explained + why some calibers shine suppressed
19:00 – 300 Blackout: why it’s popular
20:34 – Shotgun suppressors (Salvo 12, niche options)
22:12 – Quick buying-fit framework (caliber, mounts, compatibility)
23:24 – Tax stamp clarification + tech trends
24:23 – Wrap + subscribe

What matters most to you: sound reduction, gas reduction, weight, or durability?
If you could only suppress one platform first, would you choose .22, 9mm, or 5.56?
What’s the biggest myth you believed about suppressors before this episode?

Facebook: facebook.com/BlackstoneTraining
Instagram: instagram.com/blackstoneshooting
X: x.com/Blackstone_NC

DISCLAIMER: All firearms in this video were verified unloaded and filmed in a controlled environment for product discussion and entertainment purposes only. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, safety rules, and all applicable laws.

Charlotte Gun Range insights on the best and worst handgun releases of 2025. Staccato review, Glock Gen 6 breakdown, and CCW-focused carry gun discussion

In this year's final episode of The Reserve Podcast for 2025, the Blackstone team breaks down the top five best-selling handguns of the year, the most disappointing releases, and an honorable mention that has everyone talking. From duty-grade performers to premium 2011s and controversial designs, this episode is all about real-world performance, reliability, and value.

This discussion is for product commentary and entertainment only and does not facilitate the sale or modification of firearms.

0:00 Cold open
0:21 Intro + episode setup
0:46 #5 Canik MC9 Prime
3:23 #4 S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp
7:19 #3 Staccato HD P45
12:34 #2 Jacob Grey Nox 9
16:53 #1 Bull Armory EDC Pro Compact
22:03 Honorable Mention: Glock Gen 6
30:44 Transition: “Let’s dig into the worst”
31:02 Worst #1 SIG P320
33:19 Worst #2 Hi-Point HP15
34:56 Worst #3 Kel-Tec PR57
37:12 Worst #4 Kimber Micro 9
38:52 Worst #5 Walther WMP
40:19 Wrap-up

Which handgun release impressed you most in 2025?
Do you agree with our pick for the worst firearm of the year?
What handgun are you most curious to see released in 2026?

Facebook: facebook.com/BlackstoneTraining
Instagram: instagram.com/blackstoneshooting
X: x.com/Blackstone_NC

DISCLAIMER: All firearms in this video were verified unloaded and filmed in a controlled environment for product discussion and entertainment purposes only. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, safety rules, and all applicable laws

In this episode of The Reserve Podcast, Emily sits down with Ryan from Trijicon to break down what separates Trijicon’s pistol optics lineup, including the RMR Green Dot, RMR HD, and SRO. We cover real-world durability stories, testing standards, and how different features (window size, controls, auto-brightness behavior, and reticle options) change the user experience across use cases.

This video is an informational discussion about optics and product design. All firearms, if shown, are handled safely in a controlled environment. No instruction is provided for modifying firearms or installing parts.

0:00 Trijicon engineering and durability stories
0:21 Intro: Emily welcomes Ryan (Trijicon)
0:44 What’s new: RMR Green Dot + overview of RMR HD and SRO
1:54 RMR HD upgrades: top-loading battery, bigger window, forward-looking light sensor
3:04 Reticle options: dot sizes and the ring reticle on RMR HD
3:23 Price positioning across the lineup
4:21 “Science of Brilliant” and what Trijicon testing includes
5:40 “Buy once, cry once” and why durability drives price
6:20 Who these optics are for (even if you’re not an everyday user)
7:28 Commercial vs military SKUs and what differs
8:12 Company background and brand philosophy
9:09 More durability stories (ACOG, thermal recovery story, motorcycle slide)
11:54 SHOT Show and 2026: what Ryan can tease
12:44 SRO deep dive: why it was designed and why agencies adopted it
15:32 Training and learning curve for newer red dot users
18:00 Rifle-side overview: MRO, ACOG, VCOG, variable optics
20:39 RMR HD vs SRO: the practical differences
23:00 Use-case rundown: home defense, concealed carry, competition, duty use
25:23 Wrap-up and subscribe

Which matters more to you on a pistol optic: durability, window size, or adjustability?
If you’ve run an SRO or RMR HD, what did you notice most in day-to-day use?
What topic should we cover next: enclosed emitters, green dots, or rifle optics?

Facebook: facebook.com/BlackstoneTraining
Instagram: instagram.com/blackstoneshooting
X: x.com/Blackstone_NC

DISCLAIMER: All firearms in this video were verified unloaded and filmed in a controlled environment for product discussion and entertainment purposes only. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, safety rules, and all applicable laws.